Chris Swadkin appointed as 2019 President

Former Kent Cricket Board chairman Chris Swadkin has been appointed as Kent Cricket’s President for 2019.

Based in South East London, the left-handed batsmen and slow left arm bowler has been an active member and servant of Blackheath Cricket Club since 1968.

He captained the club to the National Club Championship in 1971 and Kent Premier League title in 1984 as well as making three appearances for Kent in the Second XI Championship.

“Swadders”, as he is affectionately known, has toured Australia in 1983 with the Club Cricket Conference and the England over-60s squad in 2016, winning the “Grey Ashes” against their Australian counterparts, and in 2018 won another “Ashes” series as part of the England over-70s team.

He has represented the county at over-50; over-60 level and over-70 level – helping Kent win National Championships in all 3 age groups and has played a important part in the growth of seniors cricket in Kent and the South East.

Since early retirement from oil company Shell, he has served as Chairman of the Kent Cricket Board, Deputy Chair of the Kent League and Development Officer for Greenwich District, organising schools coaching and talent identification in the area as well as running the junior section at Blackheath.

The new President said: “I’m delighted to be appointed President of this great club for the 2019 season.

“It is such an exciting time for Kent Cricket as we look to challenge in all three formats as a Division One side.

“Having been involved with cricket in Kent for a long time now, it’s a great honour to have been given this position for the coming year and I shall try to do justice to it and support the message it sends that Kent Cricket encompasses all aspects of the game in the county.”

2018 President, Jonathan Rice, said: “Cricket has dominated life for Chris as his wife Jo and his daughters Laura and Claire will confirm.

“He has dedicated a large proportion of his life to the game locally, regionally and nationally so I can think of no better ambassador for the club and the Spirit of Cricket than Chris.”